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Report: Shelby Blocks All Obama Nominations In The Senate Over AL Earmarks
Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL)
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Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) has put an extraordinary "blanket hold" on at least 70 nominations President Obama has sent to the Senate, according to multiple reports this evening. The hold means no nominations can move forward unless Senate Democrats can secure a 60-member cloture vote to break it, or until Shelby lifts the hold.
"While holds are frequent," CongressDaily's Dan Friedman and Megan Scully report (sub. req.), "Senate aides said a blanket hold represents a far more aggressive use of the power than is normal." The magazine reported aides to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid were the source of the news about Shelby's blanket hold.
The Mobile Press-Register picked up the story early this afternoon. The paper confirmed Reid's account of the hold, and reported that a Shelby spokesperson "did not immediately respond to phone and e-mail messages seeking confirmation of the senator's action or his reason for doing so."
Shelby has been tight-lipped about the holds, offering only an unnamed spokesperson to reporters today to explain them. Aides to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid broke the news of the blanket hold this afternoon. Reid aides told CongressDaily the hold extends to "all executive nominations on the Senate calendar."
According to the report, Shelby is holding Obama's nominees hostage until a pair of lucrative programs that would send billions in taxpayer dollars to his home state get back on track. The two programs Shelby wants to move forward or else:
- A $40 billion contract to build air-to-air refueling tankers. From CongressDaily: "Northrop/EADS team would build the planes in Mobile, Ala., but has threatened to pull out of the competition unless the Air Force makes changes to a draft request for proposals." Federal Times offers more details on the tanker deal, and also confirms its connection to the hold.
- An improvised explosive device testing lab for the FBI. From CongressDaily: "[Shelby] is frustrated that the Obama administration won't build" the center, which Shelby earmarked $45 million for in 2008. The center is due to be based "at the Army's Redstone Arsenal."
Though a Shelby spokesperson would not confirm that these programs were behind the blanket hold, the Senator expressed his frustration about the progress on both through a spokesperson to both CongressDaily and the Federal Times.
A San Diego State University professor and Congressional expert told the Mobile paper "he knew of no previous use of a blanket hold" in recent history.
Updates From TPM Coverage Today:
- Shelby confirmed the holds, and lashed out at Obama over the Alabama programs.
- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's office first doubted the story was true. Later, after Shelby confirmed it, McConnell's office refused to talk about the holds.
- White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs called the Shelby holds "silliness" in this morning's gaggle with reporters.
- An interview Shelby gave to a TV station in Alabama earlier this week offers some more insight into why Shelby is holding up Obama's nominees -- he thinks the White House is biased against Alabama.
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Neil
February 4, 2010 9:37 PM
What an a-hole. But this is ultimately a good thing to expose these crooks for what they are. Let the rope-a-dope begin.
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Political Brother
February 4, 2010 11:50 PM in reply to Neil
See what Shelby says about earmarks.
http://videos.al.com/huntsville-times/2009/04/sen_richard_shelby_on_earmarks.html
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justaJ0e
February 5, 2010 12:13 AM in reply to Political Brother
Where are the Tea Baggers?
Why aren't they burning this pork barrel, ass hat in effigy?
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BaileyWu
February 5, 2010 4:00 AM in reply to justaJ0e
Because being a racist co-ops all other considerations.
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Apphouse50
February 5, 2010 8:08 AM in reply to BaileyWu
::Because being a racist co-ops all other considerations.::
Or "fundie Xtian."
Because when they think they've seized the "moral" high ground, you can't do business with 'em.
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tiowally
February 5, 2010 8:47 AM in reply to Apphouse50
I love Shelby. I excrete his likeness daily.
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Peter Principle
February 5, 2010 10:28 AM in reply to tiowally
That's being a little unfair to feces, don't you think?
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rbe1
February 5, 2010 4:49 AM in reply to Neil
It's naive to believe that this grotesqueness is of any concern to the voting (or non-voting) population of the country. The overwhelming majority of the American people have neither the means nor the interest to concern themselves with the arcane details of this fossilized legislative institution. The people in this and other blogs care, but really, no one out in the world will be offended by the actions of this asshole. The reason is really simple. To make this into an issue you need a simple message and the means to saturate the public with that message.
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JNagarya
February 5, 2010 6:29 AM in reply to rbe1
Get it through your confident naivete: "earmarks" -- pork -- has always been and is now, and always shall be, how Congress works. It's designed that way as means to control greed.
This is how it works -- even for those who lie that they oppose "earmarks":
You elect your Senators and Representatives to "bring home the bacon" ("bacon" is pork), though you might use the obscurantism "create jobs" (also called "make-work" by those hostile to being in touch with reality).
And if they don't do that you'll elect someone who will.
This is the bottom line: If my state (and district) gets the money, it's proper. If someone else's -- such as yours -- gets it, it's "pork" and should be denounced, as in: "Earmarks suck!"
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DeathSquad
February 5, 2010 9:27 AM in reply to JNagarya
Good point. But that doesn't excuse this guy from acting like a child throwing a temper tantrum in a grocery store because his mother wouldn't buy him a candy bar.
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JEP07
February 5, 2010 10:51 AM in reply to DeathSquad
You mean him and his buddies...
Someone needs to look carefully into Shelby's personal connections to the corporate recipients of that earmarked pork, he seems desperate in a very personal way.
I realize he already got campaign contributions from those interests to make this happening the first place, but his desperation suggests there's more benefits than just campaign contributions at stake.
We all know he's not nearly as concerned about the majority of his constituents as he is in enriching the upper crust, so I would wager those earmarks are for that purpose.
There's also a "grab it while I can" edge to this, Shelby seems to be taking a big chance with both the 'baggers and the mainstream voters by doing this, maybe he figures he'd better shove this through while he has a chance, and hope the chips all fall his way.
Seriously, what is Shelby's personal stake in this deal? It seems like a very desperate move, even for a Bush Republican.
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JNagarya
February 5, 2010 7:18 PM in reply to DeathSquad
There are two issues to which I speak:
1. Ignorance about the reality of "pork" and "earmarks": Mine Good/Yours Bad.
2. The hypocrisy of those -- in this instance and especially Republicans/Shelby -- who rant against "pork" and "earmarks," but only when someone else's.
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DownriverDem
February 5, 2010 10:07 AM in reply to rbe1
So true. It is quite sickening. The Repubs count on folks being ignorant of the way DC works. They count of folks not paying attention. They are masters of the message machine.
If only the Dems could put up a message machine just as good. We are so lacking in this area. Sound bites work.
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tduff
February 5, 2010 8:55 AM in reply to Neil
Obama should stand up and say what this guy is doing. I mean come on.
For more random thoughts: http://randomthoughtstd.blogspot.com/
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cambridgeMR
February 5, 2010 9:07 AM in reply to Neil
President Obama should call a surprise press conference about this at noon. He should get on all the networks and call this dude out.
"Senator blocks all nominations, including nominations vital for national security; says he will not remove the block until he receives billions of dollars in earmarks."
Strike hard, strike fast, strike _right_ _now_.
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CityGuy
February 5, 2010 9:30 AM in reply to cambridgeMR
Amen! "Get some Balls" Democrats! Such an arcane practice. These Senatorial "holds" should all go the way of the Dodo bird. And this includes both parties.
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Darrius
February 5, 2010 10:07 AM in reply to CityGuy
If Obama had a press conference to talk about all the petty things that the Republicans do he will be doing nothing but press conferences about petty things.
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conniptionfit
February 5, 2010 10:46 AM in reply to Darrius
But if Obama had a press conference about a FEW petty things, he could smack 'em down for being petty, and they would learn that they can't get away with this sh*t anymore. As it is, he's being nibbled to death by ducks, as my grandma would say. And grandma knew that the only way to get the ducks away was a swift kick.
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Forrest
February 5, 2010 11:18 AM in reply to Darrius
This isn't petty. It's ridiculous. And I think it's going to backfire.
It shines 70+ spotlights on just how broken the Senate is, and opens the door to discuss 'reforms' in the way the Senate does business. The minority certainly needs a voice, but when every Senator has a hand brake under his or her desk it's time to make some changes.
Reid and the rest of the Senate leadership need to put aside their love for the institution and make it function again. It's killing our government.
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Obey
February 5, 2010 11:22 AM in reply to Forrest
"It shines 70+ spotlights..."
Well, wait to see how the MSM picks this up (nothing so far). And whether the Dems play it right.
Not holding my breath for either. But here's to hoping...
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kmac
February 5, 2010 12:13 PM in reply to cambridgeMR
Amen to all and let's not spend weeks pondering a move .... let's act now!
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PhilPalmer
February 4, 2010 9:41 PM
Obama should put a hold on all federal spending in Shelby's state. Won't happen, though.
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calchala
February 4, 2010 9:49 PM in reply to PhilPalmer
That would hurt the people of AL. Obama wouldn't do that.
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dtOZONE
February 4, 2010 10:31 PM in reply to PhilPalmer
and what? hurt the people of Alabama?
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JNagarya
February 5, 2010 6:31 AM in reply to dtOZONE
Better them than the people of Massachusetts.
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davewtf
February 5, 2010 9:23 AM in reply to dtOZONE
like a wonderful idea. I cannot think of a more appropriate reason than to hurt the very people that voted this asshole into the senate.
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toddincabo
February 4, 2010 10:57 PM in reply to PhilPalmer
I grew up in Alabama....Give em' Hell Obama....maybe they'll finally vote this jackass out.
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Dogger
February 5, 2010 12:05 AM in reply to PhilPalmer
I have a better idea - attach a public option health care provision to the bill and send it to the Senate for a vote.
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Texar
February 5, 2010 12:32 AM in reply to Dogger
Brilliant!
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artgurrl
February 5, 2010 12:52 AM in reply to Dogger
Better yet, attach a health care bill that gives Medicare for all and attach it to that earmark bill. The Dems are far too chicken to either one: Medicare or Public Option attachments. They still don't have a spine to stand up to corporate or right wing thugs.
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BaileyWu
February 5, 2010 4:16 AM in reply to artgurrl
That's because they're controlled by corporate and right-wing thugs.
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jjdjjd
February 5, 2010 4:36 AM in reply to PhilPalmer
you are all loons, november will be messy for the dems........i wonder if this is why you are all so angry? nah, dems are always angry at their own inability to get things done, even when they have all the power they can't get a thing done. hahahahaha.
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mrCurmudgeon
February 5, 2010 10:23 AM in reply to jjdjjd
Wow. Way to avoid the issue at hand. Is this how you demonstrate "integrity"?
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jjdjjd
February 5, 2010 10:29 AM in reply to mrCurmudgeon
it was the dems that invented the circular firing squad. as for the issue at hand i couldn't care less what shelby does, but if it pisses off you loons i'm all for it.
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mrCurmudgeon
February 5, 2010 10:50 AM in reply to jjdjjd
No big surprise there. Conservatives have never cared about governance. Politics is just sport to you guys. It's never been about helping the American people; it's just about pissing off liberals.
This is why you are in the minority. And if the American people can set aside their blind rage, it's where you will stay.
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jjdjjd
February 5, 2010 3:20 PM in reply to mrCurmudgeon
we will see in november who is in the minority
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JNagarya
February 5, 2010 7:39 PM in reply to jjdjjd
You're already in the minority. Your party does have all the racists, white supremacists, and far-right one-party-country lunatic fringe which condemns all views except its own as "unAmerican; but that is a statistically insignificant percentage of the population. The difference is that the private minority corporate sector knows you and your vote -- and, most importantly, your mouths -- can always be bought for as little as an 8 oz. cup of coffee and a donut, and a bus-ride voucher.
You know what's unAmerican, America-hater? Rejecting rule of law, and putting party before country -- which is all you foul-mouthed haters ever do. You "huzzah!" wars but never volunteer to fight in them. You "Support the troops" while cheering their being killed.
You are ignorant of history, ignorant of law, ignorant of the principles on which this country was founded, and yet you jabber ignorantly about the Founding Fathers about whom you know nothing factual, and contantly invoke the Constitution you've never in fact read, both to claim rights for yourselves that cannot exist in a sane society, and deny actual rights to others.
You demonize "Liberals" -- about whom you know nothing factual -- exactly as did Hitler because that's what you're TOLD to do by the hate-speech ENTERTAINERS you believe are telling the truth even when they are obviously, and proven to be, lying.
If humans were incapable of lying and personal attacks in order to avoid both knowing what you're talking about, and to avoid the issues about which you also know nothing, you scum would be mute.
All you are is trash-talkers who never have anything good to say about the real America because all that matters to you is your obsession with imposing your hateful anti-Americanism onto everyone else -- by force if necessary -- and silencing all alternative views as being "unAmerican".
And the most important thing of which you are ignorant is knowing how to STFU when you have nothing of value to contribute -- which is every time you open your foul mouth.
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Clavis
February 5, 2010 11:15 AM in reply to jjdjjd
Coward.
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jjdjjd
February 5, 2010 3:22 PM in reply to Clavis
wussy, take off your panties and do to yourself what president sham=wow is doing to the country
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JNagarya
February 5, 2010 7:52 PM in reply to jjdjjd
Scott Brown keeps repeating the vapid mantra that the stimulus "didn't create one job in Massachusetts". Even TeeVee Channel 5 news - for which Brown's wife Gail Huff works as a reporter -- exposed that lie for what it is:
A lie.
According to their research of the facts of the actual issue, the stimulus created, in Massachusetts, at least 15,000 public-sector jobs, and a number of private-sector jobs for which they hadn't data.
Lying against President Obama won't change the fact that Scott Brown is yet another fact-free and idea-less Republican sloganizer who pushes the stupidity to the stupid that the cures for all problems are two --
1. Starting wars.
2. Cutting taxes for the wealthy even during wartime.
And you immoral -- the Commandments are, "Thou shalt not lie," and, "Thou shalt not lie against others -- adopt that stupidity and repeat it as brainwashed parrots because too fucking lazy to bother learn the actual facts so as to know what you're talking about.
And that explains your impoverishment: you aren't paid to be stupid; you are stupid for free.
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shooter242
February 5, 2010 7:13 AM in reply to PhilPalmer
All earmarks are actually controlled by David Obey in the House.
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storm
February 5, 2010 9:04 AM in reply to shooter242
Obey(Wan) you're our only hope.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 2:19 PM in reply to shooter242
Exactly and how does David pass out the PORK?
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PhilPalmer
February 5, 2010 3:16 PM in reply to shooter242
Two words. Signing Statement.
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
February 5, 2010 8:02 AM in reply to PhilPalmer
Yeah, if not for that pesky little matter of the president not being the Furher of America with the power to just do stuff like that on a whim standing in the way, that would be a great idea.
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the_chavi
February 4, 2010 9:42 PM
Now, I was but a wee bairn when the budget impasse forced a shutdown under Clinton. But this strikes me as something that could be a watershed moment like that: someone takes brinkmanship right over the brink.
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Smithn
February 4, 2010 11:41 PM in reply to the_chavi
Yes, you are right. And, they say it is the reason Clinton won his 2nd tern. And It was the end of Newt G. Americans saw it for what it was.
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nova voter
February 4, 2010 9:45 PM
this is out of control.
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UncleMoney
February 4, 2010 10:38 PM in reply to nova voter
I think someone should give his ass a good ole, Full Metal Jacket, Marine, "blanket" party!!!
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breakspear
February 4, 2010 9:45 PM
what staggering hubris. this is a brazen over reach and hopefully will spectacularly backfire on the GOPS white faces. so 70 nominees wont go anywhere until this fat hick gets his states crappy programs?!?!? if this isnt exploited by the Dems this fall during election season ill be amazed. but it prolly wont be.
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JNagarya
February 4, 2010 10:30 PM in reply to breakspear
This is the guy that constnatly stands against the budget because of "earmarks".
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mcrose68
February 5, 2010 1:02 AM in reply to breakspear
Yeah Go Shelby!
Get don't let the government take over Alabama's government contracts.
I can't believe it, but I'm still occasionally floored by the GOP's ability to talk out of both sides of their mouth with not the slightest hint of shame.
Cutting taxes while decrying the deficit.
Spending billions of Federal money on themselves while whining about taxes.
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Acharn
February 5, 2010 1:51 AM in reply to breakspear
Hell, those are just the 70 that have already been approved by committee. There are another 200+ that are still bottled up in committee because of individual holds by Republican Senators. This has been a huge story the MSM have suppressed. I'm glad a brazen enough case occurred that it made at least a small splash. Now watch -- this story won't go anywhere. None of the networks or major newspapers/magazines will pick this up. And, of course, the Dems won't make use of it it the fall, because they want to have the same options next year when they're in the minority again.
The Republic is doomed!
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Rich in NJ
February 4, 2010 9:46 PM
Why don't Dems start portraying Republicans as being fascists? Fight this shit, dammit.
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Nutter
February 4, 2010 10:29 PM in reply to Rich in NJ
Because they are not fascists. Fascists do not want to burn down and leave their motherland. They are more like the militant tribes in the Af-Pak border. However, they can blame their national governments ignoring them, the geography, etc. Republicans can only blame themselves.
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Rich in NJ
February 4, 2010 10:55 PM in reply to Nutter
Dictionary.com:
fascist
3. a person who is dictatorial or has extreme right-wing views.
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MountainHigh
February 5, 2010 12:07 AM in reply to Rich in NJ
Read the Twenty Five Point Program circa: 1920, of the Nazi Party, you may be surprised.
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Rich in NJ
February 4, 2010 9:47 PM
And make an issue out of changing this Commie Senate rules.
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mk3872
February 4, 2010 9:51 PM
So we have to listen to endless ranting by Drudge, Malkin and FNC about "backroom deals" on the HCR bill by Dems.
But this kind of thing is OK and appropriate?
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hewhohasnoname
February 4, 2010 10:03 PM in reply to mk3872
Of course it's not okay... And I can guarantee that the media will jump on this story and write all kinds of articles about "backroom deals."
Oh, wait... A Republican did it, so it's okay. It's ALWAYS okay if a Republican does it.
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JNagarya
February 5, 2010 6:37 AM in reply to hewhohasnoname
Maybe Scott Brown will talk about it, because he says he's "going to Washington to put an end to the back room deals".
Yeah -- that'll happen. But first he has to pose nude.
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JEP07
February 5, 2010 10:56 AM in reply to JNagarya
THEIR backroom deals, not MINE!
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JNagarya
February 5, 2010 9:28 PM in reply to JEP07
Yep.
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consumetheconsumer
February 4, 2010 9:54 PM
From the Senate website:
hold - An informal practice by which a Senator informs his or her floor leader that he or she does not wish a particular bill or other measure to reach the floor for consideration. The Majority Leader need not follow the Senator's wishes, but is on notice that the opposing Senator may filibuster any motion to proceed to consider the measure.
Key phrases are "informal practice" and "Majority Leader need not follow the Senator's wishes". If true, screw Shelby, Harry, and get the nominations to the floor. That, or just play the, 'oh, but the mean ol' Republicans won't let me do anything' card.
It's time to break the logjam. Accept the fight and get something done.
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destor23
February 4, 2010 9:58 PM in reply to consumetheconsumer
That would take cajones, which Harry Reid lacks.
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Destrider
February 5, 2010 2:28 AM in reply to destor23
Reid has no "drawers" where does he keep his stuff?
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yellowdogD
February 4, 2010 10:41 PM in reply to consumetheconsumer
Reid should force the filibusters. That way, either one or more sane Repugs helps break it or the whole stinking party will be culpable.
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Serine
February 4, 2010 11:43 PM in reply to yellowdogD
That's going to mean breaking at least 70 filerbusters, one for each nominee. this is a major delaying tactic to basiclly stop all other senate buisness.
Do you think them Dems will be able to muster 60 votes for ecah and every appointee?
Pure and simple this is Extortion. "Give me what I want or we'll be doing this til next Christmas."
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consumetheconsumer
February 5, 2010 9:27 AM in reply to Serine
That's what the GOP wants you to think. The fact is, we don't know if the GOP can sustain a filibuster on nominations or even legislation . . . no one ever makes them try.
This is the perfect time to test their mettle. Will the 40 others band together to save Shelby's - or any other Senator's - pork? Doubt it . . .
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clonecone
February 4, 2010 11:49 PM in reply to yellowdogD
The senate would not be able to vote on anything else for months.
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rbe1
February 5, 2010 5:07 AM in reply to clonecone
So what ? It's an election year. If the Senate comes to a complete, catastrophic, grinding halt, maybe, just maybe, the MSM will notice. But then again, maybe not. Either way, something might change, a condition which would be a vast improvement on having all of this shit invisible, which it is to the vast majority. Clinton did it by threatening to shut down the congress, remember ?
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Lisa G.
February 4, 2010 11:59 PM in reply to yellowdogD
There are sane Republicans? Where? I haven't seen any. Even Collins from Maine has gone around the bend.
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barrelhse
February 5, 2010 9:16 AM in reply to Lisa G.
She has never been reasonable. Her function is to spew GOP talking points and vote the way she is told. (I'm from Maine).
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lousgirl84
February 5, 2010 9:49 AM in reply to barrelhse
Then vote the two bitches out of office
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dtOZONE
February 7, 2010 3:05 PM in reply to lousgirl84
We tried last year, she got 61% with Obama on the ballot.
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cawleybo
February 5, 2010 7:24 AM in reply to yellowdogD
EXACTLY!
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Maritza
February 4, 2010 9:58 PM
Time for recess appointments.
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consumetheconsumer
February 4, 2010 10:17 PM in reply to Maritza
Or, time to for the Majority Leader to exercise his discretion and ignore Shelby's unprecedented use of holds. At some point, Senate niceties must break in favor of the rule of law and the right of the People to have a functioning government.
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dtOZONE
February 4, 2010 10:36 PM in reply to consumetheconsumer
He can't unless he has 60 votes, so let's find a few Republicans to really put the pressure on to admit this is ridiculous.
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cwnidog
February 4, 2010 11:33 PM in reply to dtOZONE
The Majority Leader is under no obligation to recognize holds. In fact Harry has ignored one hold already. Unfortunately that was a hold placed by a Democrat, Chris Dodd.
Too bad Harry hasn't got the stones to do it to a Republican.
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dtOZONE
February 5, 2010 12:03 AM in reply to cwnidog
no, the Majority Leader can ignore a hold and proceed with the motion, but it would need 60 votes.
That's why the healthcare bill needed to go through multiple 60 vote thresholds before a final vote.
Reid had 60 votes to break Dodd's hold.
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Alex39
February 5, 2010 12:59 AM in reply to dtOZONE
Someone needs to go on TV to highlight this insanity -- I'd say someone pretty high level. Biden would be a good choice. Make this a 24-hr nonstop meme, and tar the whole party with obstruction.
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JEP07
February 5, 2010 11:12 AM in reply to Alex39
They should just give him the money, then cry "foul" loudly and often between now and November.
The Dems could use this as a generic ad for any candidate.
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Andreams
February 5, 2010 12:08 PM in reply to JEP07
And prove one again that dems cave? We've already proven that enough with all these watered down bills trying to get repugs to support them. We've certainly proven that if a good bill can't be guaranteed of passage, it never gets a vote.
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OhioGuy
February 4, 2010 9:59 PM
Good. If anything will lead to the end of these absurd Senate rules it's egregious abuse like Shelby's.
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Buckeye Terrorist Fist Jab Nation
February 5, 2010 12:28 AM in reply to OhioGuy
Word.
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mcrose68
February 5, 2010 1:05 AM in reply to OhioGuy
Dude.
Haven't you watched Fox News?
This is all Obama's fault.
I haven't quite figured out how yet, but it has something to do with Lenin, Pol Pot, and Nazis.
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JEP07
February 5, 2010 11:16 AM in reply to mcrose68
I thought it was still Clinton's fault?
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Michael A
February 4, 2010 10:02 PM
This should be all over the press. Talk about pork and handouts. The repukes have always, always gotten pork and handouts from the untouchable pentagon budget. Take a machete to that budget and get the budget under control. There should be no exceptions.
Also, no earmarks for the repukes. They are unwilling to be reasonable, so f*ck em.
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GayIthacan
February 4, 2010 10:08 PM
Recess appointments.
AND a targeting of AL for federal funds cutbacks and freezes.
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cawleybo
February 5, 2010 7:30 AM in reply to GayIthacan
Recess appointments is the wrong way to go. The story woud be Obama's arrogance.
Bring them to a vote. Make the republicans either stand with the filibuster or shoot down one of their own.
The only way to get the upperhand on the filibuster is to make them actually do it. Otherwise the story will always be the the democrats can't get anything done. Filibusters may get a mention in paragraph 21 but their won't be any context to explain how ridiculous the republicans have been.
They need to make a frontal assault on this.
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
February 5, 2010 9:23 AM in reply to GayIthacan
"Recess appointment." It's the new "reconciliation."
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Publishermike
February 4, 2010 10:10 PM
This is a gift to Obama and the need for recess appointments.
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Publishermike
February 4, 2010 10:13 PM
I think Shelby has just jumped the shark.
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BlueinColorado
February 4, 2010 10:14 PM
Godalmighty. I'm sure Evan Bayh, Jim Webb, Claire McCaskill, DiFi and four or five others will take this as a sign that Democrats are moving too fast and need to reach out to dear Senator Shelby.
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barrelhse
February 5, 2010 9:20 AM in reply to BlueinColorado
Precisely- the paid-to-play legislators who never seem to have to explain their duplicity.
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Mr Namednil
February 4, 2010 10:14 PM
The repubs ran this country into the ground and a consequence lost Congress and the White House. As the administration tries to fix the problems they were elected to fix, the repubs have taken obstructionism to a new level. Just as fox has taken fearmongering and Obama derangement to a surreal level. Sometimes I wonder if the whole right wing and their irrational obsession with and hatred for Obama have developed a personality disorder.
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mcrose68
February 5, 2010 1:11 AM in reply to Mr Namednil
Simple answer : yes, the Republicans pretty clearly are making America suffer for their personality disorder.
They have stated openly that they will try to hamper any progress that America might find because that is how they hope to get back in office.
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decisivemoment
February 4, 2010 10:14 PM
Recess appointments across the board. The Republicans get no quarter from here on out. This is war.
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dtOZONE
February 4, 2010 10:32 PM in reply to decisivemoment
Well they get to confirm them or hold them again in 11 months anyway. Recess appointments only last until the next Congress comes to power.
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Isepick
February 5, 2010 6:28 AM in reply to dtOZONE
Then appoint them again on the next recess, that isn't hard >:)
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
February 5, 2010 9:32 AM in reply to Isepick
Yes it is. First, the person's in office running an agency. They the person is out of office, not running the agency until the next recess. Then, next recess, the person is back in office, running the agency. Then the Congress ends, and the person's out again.
Yes indeed, what an excellent prescription for good government and a model for effective management that would be.
"Recess appointment." It's the new "reconciliation." The latest shiny object buzzword magic panacea for all our problems that "proves" everything that's not going perfectly is Obama or the "corporate DLC Dems" fault rather than the Republicans'. Or, indeed, that "proves" that the evil Corruptocrats secretly like things this way. Any practical, legal or political problems with using it don't exist.
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dtOZONE
February 7, 2010 3:00 PM in reply to Isepick
Bush tried this in 2007 and as a response Harry Reid never allowed the Senate into recess.
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Barry Ragin
February 4, 2010 10:16 PM
This has gotta be from The Onion, right?
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DaddyD
February 4, 2010 10:19 PM
The Senate is absolutely broken. This is insane.
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Viva!America!
February 4, 2010 10:24 PM
Very. Stupid. He will regret this.
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GermanyOrFlorida
February 4, 2010 10:30 PM
Screw the holds and just go for the votes.
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eatbees
February 4, 2010 10:30 PM
THIS IS GREAT NEWS!! FOR ALABAMA!!
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sam_bolini
February 4, 2010 10:33 PM
Is it April first already?
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Walter Mitty
February 4, 2010 10:35 PM
Shelby waited until the GOP had 41 seats - Dems should rase an epically huge stink. Where is the MSM outrage? The Cornhusker Kickback was rightly condemned, and that was $100M for a vote, Shelby is asking for tens of billions in federal contracts. He's holding 70 nominees hostage in very key and important areas in order to get what he wants.
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dtOZONE
February 4, 2010 10:38 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
They're a little busy at the moment having conniptions over the underwear bomber getting Mirandaized.
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mr_6
February 4, 2010 10:55 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
Not surprising at all. He sandbagged Clinton for two years but lacked the testes to actually switch parties until the GOP was actually in the majority...and now he lacks the testes to try this "blanket hold" hogwash until he knows the GOP has 41 votes.
Then again, backroom chicken-**** is Shelby's stock in trade. Call his office and ask why he won't acknowledge being part of the Machine at the University of Alabama back in the day.
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DugFmJamul
February 4, 2010 11:50 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
Funny you all and Obama seem to forgotten about what co-equal of power means within our THE THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT, THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH is equal to THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH and Obama is about to get a hard lesson about our Constitution and why the Founders gave us a Constitutional Republic, not a Democracy for this purpose to stop one branch of government from overreaching their Constitutional Authority.
Tho I disagree with EARMARKS, I glad Shelby is teaching Obama that we have a Constitutional Republic and not a Democracy where the majority can roughshod over the minority.
Three cheers for Senator Shelby down with Progressivism and long live our Republic...
CHEERS....
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Alex39
February 5, 2010 12:42 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
This is idiocy. Are you suggesting that all 100 Senators should have veto power ... over anything they care to veto? Idiocy.
Obama should take to the airwaves over this. It's a perfect example of procedural overreach -- for the sake of pork -- it's the kind of thing that could be used as an example to whack back the abuse of the filibuster more broadly.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 12:56 AM in reply to Alex39
No, veto power would be 67 votes compared to 60.
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Michael A
February 5, 2010 1:01 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
How convenient. Typical repuke bullsh*t. When the king was wiping his a** with the constitution you people were ecstatic. When your animals in the senate refuse to govern and are intent on blocking any governance in a depression, you are ecstatic. We should have a vote on the letting the south go and implode on itself. Go f*ck yourselves.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 1:11 AM in reply to Michael A
Actually this is the first concrete instance of Republican resistance to the Progressive policies of Obama that actual had some effect. We can thank the voters of MA for that!
The filibuster was non-existent because there was only 40 Republican Senators last year. The real problem Obama had in the Senate was Progressive Democrat vs. Democrat, the Republicans had no influence on legislation last year, to suggest otherwise is preposterous!
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Scott in PacNW
February 5, 2010 2:45 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
You mean no influence that they tried to exercise in good faith. I recall Sen Baucus and his gang of six going around for six months before the GOP guys did what Lieberman later also did: Back away from positions they held for a long time.
Why? Obstructionism.
Sen Snowe engaged in the same kabuki dance.
Bad faith = no influence
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 3:24 AM in reply to Scott in PacNW
You are confused, the Republicans can't practice Obstructionism with only 40 votes.
The Democratic Majority passed 11 Bills last year without the help of the Republican Majority, the Republicans passed none!!!
In 2005 under GWB the Republican Majority passed 8 bills without the help of the Democratic Majority
Obstructionism, you got be kidding...the Democratic Majority roughshod treatment of the Republican Minority is now a matter of record!
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Scott in PacNW
February 5, 2010 1:23 PM in reply to DugFmJamul
You changed your argument. You went from 'no influence' to 'can't obstruct.'
Nice try, but make up your mind on talking points.
Of course, delay is obstruction. Bad faith negotiation is obstruction. So you're new rhetorical goal post also fails.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 1:29 PM in reply to Scott in PacNW
If the Republicans have no influence they can't obstruct, come on quit being an amateur ACLU lawyer and have a honest discussion.
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Scott in PacNW
February 5, 2010 1:42 PM in reply to DugFmJamul
Typical wingnut = Attempts to re-define well-known words in their own image.
My comments stand as legitimate statements. Don't blame me if you don't understand words as used by the rest of the English speaking world.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 2:17 PM in reply to Scott in PacNW
I'm not redefining anything, you just can't grasp onto the fact that the true "obstructionist" were your fellow Democrats who refused to go along with the Progressive agenda.
If the Republicans have no influence they can't obstruct, and they had no influence on final passage of any Bill.
The Democrats had the super majority in the Senate and could have passed any piece of legislation they wanted to, refusing to acknowledge that fact makes you stupid or a true partisan hack!
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Scott in PacNW
February 5, 2010 3:07 PM in reply to DugFmJamul
Either you don't understand words or you don't understand the tactics of obstruction, such as stalling.
Good luck in your future cognition of reality.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 5:12 PM in reply to Scott in PacNW
What you don't understand is that the Democrats could have shutdown the 'stalling' anytime they wanted to, but there is a tradition of debate in the Senate which the Senators take pride in that continues today!
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kit.churchill
February 5, 2010 1:13 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
You do realize that you're saying that Obama is about to be taught a lesson in not overstepping his constitutional authority, when his action in question is appointing people to posts in the government, a power which is explicitly enumerated to the president in the constitution don't you?
It's also worth noting that the branches of the government are not equal. At all. Through the system of checks and balances they can attempt to keep each other in control, but article 1 section 8 basically guarantees that the lion's share of power in the government belongs to the legislature.
So to sum all this up, you don't agree with what Shelby is doing, but you're glad that he's exercising his power as a senator to keep the president from overstepping his constitutional authority by keeping the president from actually exercising his constitutional authority, all so he can send hundreds of millions of dollars to Alabama with no congressional review.
I would say that this topic seems a little bit over your head, but given your atrocious grammar I'm guessing that deep, deep down, you probably already know that.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 1:31 AM in reply to kit.churchill
You elitists Liberals seem to forget that Democrats in the Senate threaten to filibuster Bush's Nominations and the Republicans did not have the 60 votes to stop a filibuster.
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kit.churchill
February 5, 2010 2:08 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
There's a difference in threatening a filibuster in order to stop someone like John Roberts from being nominated to the Supreme Court (which, given the last week, probably should have happened), and using an informal senate rule to block every nomination in order to guarantee an insane amount of pork spending comes home to your district without congressional approval.
So it's not that we, liberal or otherwise, forget, or "seem to forget", whatever that means, it's that we understand that just because two instances appear the same when Fox News explains it to you, doesn't mean that they actually are the same.
What you, an [opposite of elitist] republican, have forgotten is that Bush and Cheney did not worry about the senate's ability to filibuster their nomination as they could, and did, nominate in recess and passed laws through reconciliation. You have also forgotten that the president has expressed no desire to do either of those things and it is just in the last few days that Reid has even brought up the possibility of nominating in recess. Which also means that you're forgotten that this would make Obama more procedurally inoffensive than any of our presidents in the last 30 years.
Then again, remembering that would challenge your world view, and I doubt that's something you're prepared to deal with.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 2:28 AM in reply to kit.churchill
"reconciliation" was never used to create any new government program! It was used to "reconcile" existing laws or programs, especially programs that were concerning with the budget.
Trying to pass H.R. 3590 by the reconciliation process would be a novel approach and if the Democrats in the Senate attempt to do just that the resistance from the American People will push the Democrats back into their partisan hole.
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kit.churchill
February 5, 2010 2:52 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
Actually, in all three successful uses of the procedure under Bush, reconciliation was used to pass new tax cuts and to pass laws that would prevent taxes on sectors of the economy from being raised. In another, and failed attempt, Bush tried to open up the Arctic Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. That's because reconciliation, which was meant as a way to reduce deficits, can and was used to pass ANY law or measure which affects the budget.
As for your threat that the people would revolt in response to a reconciliation passing of HR3590, I think it would be more likely if the public option didn't continue to enjoy an approval rating of 60% or more. And, given that by the end of this year more people will be on a government insurance program than on private insurance, I'd say your revolt is probably more of a fantasy than anything else.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 2:07 AM in reply to kit.churchill
You misunderstand me sir, I'm not referring to Obama's Constitutional Authority to appoint Nominees to various positions.
I'm just referring to his overreaching Constitutional Authority when he scolded the Republicans and the SCOTUS during the State of the Union Address. Also Obama has overreached his Constitutional Authority in my opinion on invisible signing statements and CZAR appointments without the Advice and Consent of the Senate.
This event is just payback for his flagrance in general for all of his lies to the American People and trying to turn this Nation into a Democratic-Socialist State.
He needs to be stopped and soon!
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kit.churchill
February 5, 2010 2:35 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
Given that the constitution also explicitly calls for the president to address both houses of Congress once a year and to report on the state of the union, I'm going to have to say that once again, you're saying that the president is overstepping his authority when he is, in fact, exercising his authority. There is no provision or rule in the constitution which says that he must be nice, it says that he must report on the state of the country. Everything he said, whether or not you like it, was, in fact, a report on what is happening in our nation right now. You're essentially arguing that Joe Wilson violated the boundaries of his constitutional authority by yelling "you lie" at the president last year. That is, of course, pure idiocy.
As for his use of signing statements, you don't get to complain about that until he hits double digits. Right now he's at a paltry 8 as compared to Bush's 140. All of that putting aside the fact that the purpose of a signing statement is to nullify those portions of a law which violate the constitution. As his job is to dutifully execute the law and uphold the constitution, I fail to see the hidden agenda conspiracy there.
As for his "czar appointments", the same rules apply. He's made 8 and Bush made 47. And again, a "czar" as the media loves to call them, is just a cabinet post that the president, within his authority as granted by the constitution, creates in order to execute a specific or particular law.
Now, for you to insinuate that this has anything to do with Shelby exercising some form of high minded idealism or retribution for injustices carried out against the people is so ridiculous as to be insulting. You can't honestly be so naive as to believe that this man is holding up these nominations for principle or any other purpose than to guarantee that Northrop secures an $80bn defense contract.
I would however, like to say thank you for specifying that you believe he's turning us into a democratic socialist country and not just a socialist one. It's a distinction people rarely make, but an important one nonetheless. That being said, I'd urge you to look into what "socialist", "democracy", and "turn this nation into" mean, because if you had even a Wikipedia level knowledge of any of those topics, you'd realize how far, far, far, from true that statement actually is.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 3:11 AM in reply to kit.churchill
Do some more research on "invisible signing statements" and get back to me.
Of the 32 "czars" , nine were confirmed by the Senate. Not Good!!
Wikipedia just three days listed Socialism as America's form of government, before someone updated it!
Don't try to school me on definitions of Socialism when Liberals can't even agree about what it is or is not!
This does not outline any new major programs...sorry you are doing the Progressive twist.
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kit.churchill
February 5, 2010 3:50 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 4:09 AM in reply to kit.churchill
How can you honestly say Obama is not trying to turn this nation into a Socialist Country when he calls himself a Progressive, believes in the "Living Constitution" and unlimited government powers.
Sounds like Obama's mission statement to me..
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brantlamb
February 8, 2010 12:49 PM in reply to DugFmJamul
You surely are an idiot. Obama has actually relenquished powers that Bush took unto himself. You're an idiot.
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DugFmJamul
February 8, 2010 2:14 PM in reply to brantlamb
How do you know IF I think GWB's signing statements were unconstitutional or not? Can you read my mind?
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expat46
February 5, 2010 10:41 AM in reply to kit.churchill
Kit, you do realize your trying to argue with Orly Taitz right?
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 11:37 AM in reply to expat46
No, I'm more like Philip Berg...
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jonnienohands
February 11, 2010 8:14 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
Is Berg a serial plagiarist and a liar.
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BaileyWu
February 5, 2010 4:08 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
A democratic socialist state? This right leaning Republican Litester you call a socialist? Did you drive all the way out here to be stupid or did someone drag you here behind their turnip truck?
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 4:18 AM in reply to BaileyWu
Rule 5: Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon. It’s hard to counterattack ridicule, and it infuriates the opposition, which then reacts to your advantage.
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jonnienohands
February 11, 2010 8:16 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
plagiarized
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barrelhse
February 5, 2010 9:24 AM in reply to kit.churchill
Ignore him.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 11:41 AM in reply to barrelhse
Exactly...that is what the Democratic Congress and the President has been doing to the Republican Minority. You finally got it!
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John Sawyer
February 5, 2010 2:49 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
You do realize we live in a DEMOCRATIC republic, don't you?
And that the person exerting power in a way that imbalances the balance between the three branches here, is Shelby, not Obama? Because it's Obama's Constitutional duty to appoint people to these departments, not Shelby, and that rather than holding up nominations, it's Shelby's Constitutional responsibility to allow voting on them?
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kit.churchill
February 5, 2010 2:54 AM in reply to John Sawyer
See Dug, John gets it.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 3:32 AM in reply to kit.churchill
No, he doesn't ...
The Constitution outlines a Constitutional Republic based on Art IV Section 4, Democracy can not be found in the Constitution.
Sorry John is a victim of Progressive Propaganda, unlike you Kit, who is Grand Master of Progressive Propaganda.
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kit.churchill
February 5, 2010 3:56 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
Wow Dug, Grand Master? I'm blushing here. To be fair though, I agree with you that we have a constitutional republic and not a democratic republic. What John gets that you don't though is the second paragraph.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 4:16 AM in reply to kit.churchill
How you are the first Liberal or Progressive that actually admitted to our form of government being a Constitutional Republic, do you mean that or are you trying some form of Political Jujitsu on me?
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 4:32 AM in reply to kit.churchill
Got to go now..I have to get up in 4 hours...thanks for the dance and you have been the nicest Liberal I met here, in a Hannibal Lecter sort of way!
CHEERS....
GOOD NIGHT NOW!
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 3:01 AM in reply to John Sawyer
No, we have a Constitutional Republic..
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 3:37 AM in reply to John Sawyer
John, I'm just using Shelby to stick it to Obama...don't be so serious. I'm not!
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BaileyWu
February 5, 2010 4:23 AM in reply to John Sawyer
We USED to have a democratic republic. While you were watching Fox News it turned into a full-blown corporatocracy. Google it.
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BaileyWu
February 5, 2010 4:13 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
You gotta be kidding me. All that over appointments? Submitting nominations for Congressional approval is what you call dictatorial? What in the world are you smoking?
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 4:23 AM in reply to BaileyWu
I'm just using Shelby to stick it to Obama and I don't smoke...Captain Morgan now that's a different story.
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MountainHigh
February 5, 2010 12:12 AM in reply to Walter Mitty
The Cornhusker Kickback cannot be quantified by cost as the benefit never ends.
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kth
February 4, 2010 10:43 PM
The silver lining here is that it probably sucks at least a little to be Scott Brown right now. A vote to hold up all of Obama's nominees over some Alabama pork probably won't go over very well in Massachusetts.
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Chisholm
February 4, 2010 10:44 PM
I respect anyone who is not afraid to wield the power they possess.
Can you imagine if any Democrat had ever done this to George Bush?
He or she would have been our hero.
Do you think Republicans are made of stronger stuff? I do.
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Willow
February 4, 2010 11:42 PM in reply to Chisholm
Being a giant asshole =/= strength.
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Informis
February 4, 2010 10:56 PM
I love a good game of Calvinball.
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mk3872
February 4, 2010 11:13 PM
Just so I get this straight ... It is only Dem politicians that are bad, bad, bad and cut backroom deals for their districts, right? When Repubs obstruct and demand $$ for their state, their is NO price to pay?
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jeffgee
February 4, 2010 11:19 PM
Shelby: the face of tyranny of the minority
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MarinCat
February 4, 2010 11:20 PM
I loves me the smell of repuklican desperation in Alabama.
Now can the D's exploit this to the max? ..................
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spiteface
February 4, 2010 11:28 PM
Didn't Reid just flat out ignore a hold placed by Dodd a couple years ago?
http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2007/10/dodd_will_filibuster_telecom_immunity_bill_if_reid_brings_it_to_vote.php
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clonecone
February 4, 2010 11:44 PM in reply to spiteface
Reid had 60 votes to move forward in that case. He doesn't know since the Party of Up or Down Vote turned into the Party of No.
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BeeClone
February 5, 2010 12:39 PM in reply to clonecone
Clones rule! and Shelby is an a$$.
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dtOZONE
February 5, 2010 12:00 AM in reply to spiteface
Dodd did filibuster, Reid got cloture.
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mk3872
February 4, 2010 11:40 PM
Where did these Senate rules come from? Where there just assumptions that they would all be up-standing gentlemen and never abuse these arcane rules? How can the Senate even operate like this?
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jmsjbf
February 4, 2010 11:45 PM
I'm sorry but this should not be legal.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 11:52 AM in reply to jmsjbf
Welcome to the United States of America, a Republic for which it stands.
The home of the free and the brave, hell if this was Obama's best buddy's homeland (Venezuela) Senator Shelby would be taken out a shot!
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Disgusted
February 4, 2010 11:45 PM
I have always been under the impression that "BLACKMAIL" was a crime. What a fool I have been.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 12:03 PM in reply to Disgusted
Welcome to the United States of America, a Republic for which it stands.
The home of the free and the brave, hell if this was Obama's second best buddy's homeland (IRAN) Senator Shelby would be taken out and beheaded!
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Lisa G.
February 4, 2010 11:56 PM
Is this the Senate or daycare? I know toddlers who are better behaved and smarter than this a@@hole.
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chard
February 4, 2010 11:57 PM
How'd this news break before Friday afternoon?
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MountainHigh
February 5, 2010 12:15 AM
Wow, Dem turns Repub to piss off Dems, priceless!
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Joshua the Teacher
February 5, 2010 12:30 AM
The Repubs blew their wad too early. They think they have the midterms sewn up bc of the Mass. election. The idiots just walked into it.
Here's hoping Barack drops 4 aces on their flush...
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Winston Smith
February 5, 2010 12:51 AM
So the Republicans whine and call Mary Landrieu a prostitute for pushing for more money for Louisiana before voting for health care. I believe the number was $300 million.
Here, Republican Sen. Shelby proves he's worse than a prostitute. GOP Senator Shelby is an EXTORTIONIST. Give me $80 BILLION (that's 80,000 Million dollars, folks) in taxpayer money, for tankers the pentagon doesn't want, so I can take credit come election time, or I'll block all of the nominations of the duly elected President of the United States. Besides, he's just an uppity junior senator, us old, greedy white guys are far smarter that this guy could ever be, and the GOP will take power whether we're elected or not.
Bring on the recess nominations. Tell the GOP to go scr_w themselves, the government will function despite their obstructionism and GOP Senator Shelby's extortion attempts.
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artgurrl
February 5, 2010 12:54 AM
The question is when are the Democrats in the Senate going to finally get a spine and put their foot down on the neck of the GOP? They deserve and have it coming.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 2:33 AM in reply to artgurrl
Too late, the Republicans have reversed the hold the Democrats had on them!
It's called Political Jujitsu and the Democrats are grasping for air and are about to put in a choke hold!
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sangsue
February 5, 2010 5:37 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
Talk to me about socialism when you turn down Medicare. Or if you're in a flood, turn down FEMA. Or if you turn down Social Security. In fact, since you hate government so much, you should just boycott it altogether. If you lose your job and your family starves because you don't believe in unemployment, sorry, you hate the government and don't believe in it and shouldn't participate with such a socialist program. You should probably live in the woods because it's socialistic government that funds roads. Transportation. Why should you be burdened with socialistic government roads? Highways? When you get robbed, police are funded by state and federal government, sorry, socialistic, you'll just have to deal with it. Hey, it's how you want it! No socialistic government for you Dug. Just rough it, build a cabin in the woods if need be and build yourself a nice ol' outhouse since plumbing is - you guessed it -- funded by the government. I'm sure you'll find a nice lake but since you think that business is always right, you won't care if it's filled with weird looking algae and toxic waste that's dumped there since it takes government funding to clean it up. And finally, hopefully your cabin won't burn down because firemen are also
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 11:46 AM in reply to sangsue
Pants on the ground, Pants on the ground you're looking like a fool with you're pants on the ground...
Where did you get those Progressive talking points, Thom Hartmann?
You must be kidding or do you want a serious response to your talking points?
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sangsue
February 5, 2010 11:41 PM in reply to DugFmJamul
Bring it on, Dug.
Tell me how everyone left of John Birch is a Commie Pinko F@g who needs to be thrown into Guantanimo and executed. If it were up to you, caring about people would be a crime and Exxon would be the new President.
See? I can be as ridiculous as you but the sick thing is, you'd love it. But then again, your wet dream is Ayn Rand, a wonderful sociopath like you who finds love and compassion weak. She thought that rapists were exciting, which made them great. Knowing you feel the same way, well, just like Ayn Rand and John Birch, anything to the left of fascism is too liberal for you.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 11:51 PM in reply to sangsue
Wow, you know how I feel and all of my political positions just by me mocking your Progressive talking points with a rendition of "Pants on the Ground" from American Idol?
Do you even watch American Idol?
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artgurrl
February 5, 2010 12:58 AM
If Harry doesn't have the stones to stop this kind of thing by the GOP thugs, maybe we should start throwing stones to help him out.
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dannyluv
February 5, 2010 12:58 AM
what a shelpuss!
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glogrrl
February 5, 2010 2:39 AM
Impeach his ass! He's a traitor to his country.
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glogrrl
February 5, 2010 2:45 AM
"the blanket hold extends to 'all executive nominations on the Senate calendar.'"
I believe the blanket is in the wrong place......it should be secured tightly over Shelby's head, preferably for an interminable amount of time.
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Maritza
February 5, 2010 3:59 AM
It is time that Obama does RECESS APPOINTMENTS. The Congress is going on a break in a week. Obama needs to put all appointments in that week.
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ibsteve2u
February 5, 2010 4:36 AM
Huh...I could put up with Senator Shelby doing this, if it were for a worthwhile effort such as making the death penalty the reward - to be applied retroactively - for Senators who leak information such as our tapping of Osama bin Laden's satellite phone.
But as it stands, this is just another two-faced hypocrite who exemplifies the lack of moral and ethical standards that is the prerequisite for membership in the modern Republican$.
That is their true "purity test".
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bluestatedon
February 5, 2010 6:25 AM
"This has been a huge story the MSM have suppressed."
The MSM is able to suppress this story because the Democrats—from the White House to the House—don't have the faintest fucking clue how to capitalize on it. The ineptitude of the Dems at using the media tools at their disposal to create simple messages, frame arguments, and set agendas is mind-boggling. All of you hoping for some magical improvement in this are going to be severely disappointed—Dems appear to be, by their very nature, incompetent in dealing with public relations and marketing, which is at the heart of successful retail politics. The GOP is expert at it, unfortunately.
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Masterpo
February 5, 2010 6:31 AM
Don't negotiate with terrorists. Don't give this bastard anything.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 12:17 PM in reply to Masterpo
If Senator Shelby was Khalid Sheikh Mohammad Obama would read him his Miranda rights and get him a lawyer who surely would have insisted that his client simply shut up. Instead the Democratic controlled Senate will try to chastise and censor him.
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concerned parent
February 5, 2010 6:50 AM
I think it is time for some recess appointments. Dems should demand that Shelby release the hold on all appointments or there is going to be a short recess. But that would take tremendous leadership, and I do not think Reid has it in him and the gop knows this.
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RhodaA
February 5, 2010 7:08 AM
Something's Fishy
Shelby can't really be expecting to get his earmarks. Makes more sense to me that the repugs are intentionally trying to blow up the senate and create havoc or a public show-down, or maybe even force the dems to use the nuclear option. But it's not clear to me how this fits into their strategy.
On another note, I would like to see the top military personnel call a press conference to tell the public about the holds placed on the five critical national security positions that are now vacant.
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capeJoe
February 5, 2010 7:40 AM
Americans, our government is broken, and it's our fault we allowed it. We really have to organize to promote non-violent resistance to government policies. Just writing zingers on websites will do nothing to change the way politicians act. Voting in a corrupt system produces marginal change, as the 2008 election proves. Do something!
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jim43
February 5, 2010 7:54 AM
What will it take for Obama to realize that Republicans will not work with him and all of these silly "bipartisan" overtures are worthless? Ram through single=-payer, the bank tax and financial reform and get it over with....
http://www.sunstateactivist.org/ssablog
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sniffer
February 5, 2010 8:06 AM
Put a hold on everything Obama before its too late to turn this thing around.
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Old Marsalla
February 5, 2010 8:25 AM
Give him the money, but only if they can put the Explosion Area and the Gas Refueling projects together and blow up Alabama.
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gpleigh
February 5, 2010 8:56 AM
We need to do something about this. Please contact Shelby and please hit the digg button here.
senator@shelby.senate.gov
Telephone: (202) 224-5744
Fax: (202) 224-3416
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Silence
February 5, 2010 8:58 AM
I'm holding my 'TEA party opinion' until further info. is available. He's not demanding funds for tennis courts, marsh mice, welfare programs or personal airports.
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J. Hauser
February 5, 2010 9:00 AM
call him and tell him how you feel about what he is doing:
304 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Telephone: (202) 224-5744
Fax: (202) 224-3416
Email: senator@shelby.senate.gov
http://shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactSenatorShelby.StateOffices
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Silence
February 5, 2010 9:03 AM
"Shelby is particularly peeved about the refueling tanker because a tanker contract worth up to $35 billion was awarded to Northrop Grumman and Airbus last year, but later voided in a bid protest filed by Boeing. The Northrop tankers would have been assembled in Mobile, Ala.
In a written statement, Shelby said Air Force efforts to build new tankers have been stalled for nearly 10 years and "we still do not have a transparent and fair acquisition process to move forward."
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eevinko
February 5, 2010 9:04 AM
Sounds to me like this guy might have some serious issues to deal with.
Jess
www.internet-anonymity.se.tc
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Silence
February 5, 2010 9:14 AM in reply to eevinko
It sounds like he may have a legitimate beef.
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Forrest
February 5, 2010 11:40 AM in reply to Silence
Then he needs to have the appropriate committee hold hearings regarding the matter, or maybe put a hold on any nominees who might have influence over those programs until he's satisfied they'll see the programs' limbo status resolved.
Putting a hold on *all* nominees is a gross overreach. I can't see how it should be interpreted any other way. The timing is also highly suspect. Why wait 10 years?
Hell, Republicans had a majority for the vast majority of those 10 years. Wouldn't it have been easier to get the problem resolved with a Republican majority?
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Silence
February 5, 2010 12:35 PM in reply to Forrest
Something smells dirty.....Chicago dirty.
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kJCUWzUl
February 5, 2010 9:10 AM
The Senate violates the constitution in so many ways. Be nice if we a system that could check them on it.
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duck_tape
February 5, 2010 9:25 AM
Sadly, the South and its racism and hatred for progressives are enshrined in the GOP and jerks like this guy. I hope like hell than when Dems loose Congress this fall that the remaining ones will remember this and block all GOP efforts as well. It would be nice to see some retribution in kind, in this lifetime. The GOP is evil.
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hologram5
February 5, 2010 9:34 AM
Someone drag this d0chebag out and beat him senseless. What a whiney little PU$$Y. "I am not going to allow anyone in this office until my pork projects get paid for". VOTE THIS ASSHAT OUT NOW!
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jsdc007
February 5, 2010 9:37 AM
There's so much political hay to be made into electoral gold, but the Democrats are too disorganized, clueless, and probably just as beholden to corporate interests to take advantage of the situation.
I bet Shelby will end up having his way, and Reid and Pelosi will mumble something incoherent. The Democrats are utterly useless.
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1audiofile
February 5, 2010 9:38 AM
This is very confusing. The GOP does not believe that Government money spent in an area helps stimulate the economy. They have said so repeatedly and strongly. YET, Senator Shelby is placing a blanket hold on all confirmations until the congress passes the bills needed to send this funding to his state. There must be no hungry people in Alabama. Since they get to eat their cake and eat it too.
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Chisholm
February 5, 2010 10:21 AM in reply to 1audiofile
This is a really great point. It's too bad there's not a single Democratic strategist out there to capitalize on it.
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Ann Arbor
February 5, 2010 9:46 AM
Please don't feed the constitution-in-exile troll. He ends up hijacking every thread by continually shifting his arguments.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 11:55 AM in reply to Ann Arbor
No I don't, you guys get asking me questions not related to the topic, so I answer them...just ask me questions about the subject matter..sounds simple to me!
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Silence
February 5, 2010 9:49 AM
"because a tanker contract worth up to $35 billion was awarded to Northrop Grumman and Airbus last year, but later voided in a bid protest filed by Boeing."
This has nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do honoring a contract. It appears that the contract was awarded and investments were made to fill this contract.
The contract was voided. Why?
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AB
February 5, 2010 10:01 AM in reply to Silence
The whole tanker contract has been a complete mess from the get-go. http://www.seattlepi.com/business/354300_mccaintanker08.html
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Ann Arbor
February 5, 2010 10:12 AM in reply to Silence
Because of warring factions in the military-industrial complex. Don't think it's some matter of principle -- it's a hugely lucrative and very long-term military contract at stake. One of the biggest military contracts ever. It's been fought over for more than a decade.
First Boeing won the contract. Then Airbus/Northrop Grumman won the contract. Then the win was taken away from Airbus/Northrop:
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/oct/05/business/fi-tankers5?pg=2
These first two awards and reversals all happened during the Bush years, lest you think it's some Obama plot.
The arguments presented are about bid specs and who meets them better. But it's a fight about money for the companies, and pork for congress-critters.
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ejg3
February 5, 2010 10:04 AM
Someone needs to put some lipstick on this pig by a metaphorical smack in the mouth. He's a party switcher and I wonder what he got for what he did 1994.
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serge
February 5, 2010 10:07 AM
"Senate aides said a blanket hold represents a far more aggressive use of the power than is normal."
If Harry Reid can't take this and cram it down Shelby's throat, then he has zero fucking credibility. Oh wait, he already has zero credibility, I forgot. And Shelby, a turncoat former Democrat...what a twat.
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ajkrueger
February 5, 2010 10:09 AM
Shelby, ought to be confronted by Obama! Shelby did the same thing when the debate was raging about the automotive industry! He is a waste of skin!
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synchronicity
February 5, 2010 10:09 AM
Appointing during recess for those positions of high importance is crucial. I can't understand why this did not already happen.
The republicans must be forced to actually follow through with their filibusters and they need to see that as much as possible will be passed through reconciliation if they continue to not allow key legislation to have an up or down vote. And pushing through appointments under 'emergency' during recess should be used to make it clear that if they want to have a say... they need to actually vote and not just obstruct the process.
The dems need to stop being acting as if the republican threats of filibuster and obstruction are going to stop and get the work done in spite of it. This is the only way they are likely to get cooperation from republicans and it's likely to get worse before it gets better but at least the work of congress will get done.
Dems have to stop acting as if they are afraid of their own shadow and the republicans to boot.
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pmb50
February 5, 2010 10:12 AM
Please please please let the democrats have some balls to expose and eviscerate this horrid cretin
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pmb50
February 5, 2010 10:14 AM
Extortionist
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ericAZ
February 5, 2010 10:19 AM
There is opportunity here. We may never have a better example of Republicans abusing the filibuster. I say, gavel the nominations through with 50 votes and let the Republicans appeal to the public to protect their pork. When the Republicans threatened the 'nuclear option', Democrats backed down. We have to be as tough as the assholes we are fighting.
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Chisholm
February 5, 2010 10:31 AM
Shelby's move is brilliant.
Obama's leadership style has lead to a power vacuum, and the warlords of the Senate are filling it.
Stopping Obama dead in his tracks is going to make him a superhero on the right.
Can you even imagine if a Democrat had thwarted Bush in this way? I would have jumped out of my chair in joy!
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 1:34 PM in reply to Chisholm
In order to have a spine, one must have values, integrity and fortitude to stand up for your principles. The Democrats have no such qualities, so it' better that you just sat down.
You did the right thing!
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jonnienohands
February 11, 2010 8:22 AM in reply to DugFmJamul
You have none of these traits. You are a serial plagiarizer and a liar.
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Colin Laney
February 5, 2010 10:38 AM
This is the same Richard Shelby who siphoned off Katrina reconstruction money to build luxury condominiums in his hometown, which experienced no damage worth mentioning from the storm.
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kmac
February 5, 2010 10:38 AM
You can call Shelby's despicable actions anything you want for whatever reason you think but in reality I believe it all boils down to "good ole southern racism"! It just can't be put on the media in that light.
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Jackboy66
February 5, 2010 10:41 AM
Watch the dems react to this.....they won't! I am so sick of watching the dems sit back and take this crap that I could puke. How many times will the dems lat these pricesless PR gifts from the republicans go unexploited? WAKE UP DEMOCRATS! GET TO THE MOCROPHONES AND SCREAM SO LOUD AND SO OFTEN THE THE CORPORATE MEDIA CANT IGNORE YOU. CREATE YOUR OWN ECHO CHAMBER LIKE YOUR OPPOSITION DOES. GET IN THE GAME OR GET OUT!
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expat46
February 5, 2010 10:51 AM
The ALABAMA EARMARK!!!
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lapdogs
February 5, 2010 10:55 AM
Hey President Obama,
Do I have to go to Congress for YOU, grab Shelby by the neck, bang him up against the wall, jam the sharp metal points on my leg braces where my knees bend into his balls and tell Shelby to shape up or every goddam program that Alabama is currently getting will be cut immediately?
Do I?
Or are you going to do it for us?
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 12:06 PM in reply to lapdogs
Welcome to the United States of America, a Republic for which it stands.
The home of the free and the brave, hell if this was Obama's third best buddy's homeland (North Korea) Senator Shelby would be BBQ and sold in the public market!
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JEP07
February 5, 2010 10:58 AM
Ironic, that "Earmark" is also an ag term for notches carved out of a pig's ear to identify it's owner.
How appropriate.
Someone needs to look carefully into Shelby's personal connections to the corporate recipients of that earmarked pork, he seems desperate in a very personal way.
I realize he already got campaign contributions from those interests to make this happening the first place, but his desperation suggests there's more benefits than just campaign contributions at stake.
We all know he's not nearly as concerned about the majority of his constituents as he is in enriching the upper crust, so I would wager those earmarks are for that purpose.
There's also a "grab it while I can" edge to this, Shelby seems to be taking a big chance with both the 'baggers and the mainstream voters by doing this, maybe he figures he'd better shove this through while he has a chance, and hope the chips all fall his way.
Seriously, what is Shelby's personal stake in this deal? It seems like a very desperate move, even for a Bush Republican.
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JEP07
February 5, 2010 11:10 AM
They should just give him the money, but cry "foul" loudly and often between now and November.
The Dems could use this as a generic ad for any candidate.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 12:53 PM in reply to JEP07
Forgive me for this intrusion, I know you are considered the "Obi-Wan Kenobi" of the Progressive Movement around here but you got it all wrong. Senator Shelby's stance against Obama is not really about EARMARKS or money, Shelby is really trying get Obama's goat.
He really wants to just STICK IT to him, it's that simple!
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JEP07
February 5, 2010 4:37 PM in reply to DugFmJamul
It's simpler than that.
Shelby's Senate bonus depends of landing that contract.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 5:04 PM in reply to JEP07
I'm unaware of that fact, could you please explain it to me?
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Richard
February 5, 2010 11:15 AM
It's pretty clear that the Republicans are still calling all the shots regardless of the fact that Democrats are the majority. The truth is, once Republicans get control of both houses of congress this fall and also getting cerebrally-challenged Sarah Palin elected president in 2012, we will see the end of the filibuster for good. Republicans will kill the two-thirds needed to by-pass the filibuster when they are the majority.
Stung by the election of Barack Obama, Citizens United gambled that their libel and slander-filled film against Hillary Clinton, they appealed to the partisan, right wing ideologues on the U.S. Supreme Court, Roberts, Alito, Thomas, Scalia (RATS) + one so-called swing vote, Anthony Kennedy, to insure that Republican, corrupt corporate interests will prevail -- permanently. The RATS court has spoken: the election process is dead in America when these partisan so-called justices slammed the door on democracy by allowing the corporate swindlers to buy every politician they want.
To all the tea party celebrants and Fox News prevaricators: enjoy your War Forever Republican Party that left behind a $1.3 trillion Bush administration budget deficit, trillions in tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% of the population, Wall Street hucksters and Big Bank swindlers who ran wild with no oversight and millions of lost jobs by ordinary American citizens. Prepare yourselves for more poverty and an oligarchy that would make Nicolo Machiavelli proud.
I'm sure you all will be more than happy to end your Social Security checks and Medicare coverage once you privatize everything. I'll bet those $2.00 per hour jobs picking lettuce and tomatoes in the fields will look real good to you once your party also eliminates the federal minimum wage.
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DugFmJamul
February 5, 2010 11:23 AM
Pants on the ground, Pants on the ground you're looking like a fool with you're pants on the ground...
Where did you get those Progressive talking points, Thom Hartmann?
You must be kidding or do you want a serious response to your talking points?
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GTFOOH
February 5, 2010 11:26 AM
I saw the face of Shelby in a bag of prunes...Just saying...
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twoviragos
February 5, 2010 11:42 AM
Word geek that I am, I keep thinking this needs a phrase like the one's attached to the health care deal made by Ben Nelson. The Republicans were shocked, shocked at these so called backroom deals and have been hammering on it for weeks. They need to be forced to take sides and either stand behind Shelby or distance themselves from his stand.
The question would go something like this: Senator Douchbag (R-Southern State) what's your stand on the Crimson Corruption? Do you stand behind Senator Shelby's stand to block appointments of vital security appointments until he gets the earmarks he's demanding?
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Asinistra
February 5, 2010 11:44 AM
Hey, I've got an idea. Barack can call him in for a beer.
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RickW
February 5, 2010 11:46 AM
This kind of tit-for-tat may be expected from 4 year olds, but from elected officials it is treasonous because it effects the lives of the very people who elected this &*(^#$% top SERVE THEM !
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ejg3
February 5, 2010 11:52 AM
Reid should adopt the words of Admiral Farragut who dealt with trouble in Mobile Bay by going into battle with the famous words Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead. But that would take a backbone and some other body parts that seem to be missing.
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fatboy1953
February 5, 2010 1:16 PM
Reid should recess the senate and the President can make recess appointments. They won't be permanent but at least the country can move forward.
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Atropos
February 5, 2010 3:00 PM
Shelby's an America-hating extortionist, a blackmailer who puts the nation's security at risk with his greed.
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quincytree
February 5, 2010 3:43 PM
I like the comment about attaching the health bill. But I never heard of this "instrument of torture." Anyone know on what occasions it has been used and what the outcome was?
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LuxVeritas
February 5, 2010 5:07 PM
LOL and the "Shelby can haz pork" meme begins! http://digg.com/d31Hv3C
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Truly Franc
February 5, 2010 6:00 PM
I 'hope' the electorate are listening the moves the Union in the right direction come election day.
btw, here is a riddle: how are the electorate like the wind?
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Owen
February 5, 2010 8:35 PM
Senate Dems should make Shelby the poster-child for changing the Senate's scuzzier rules, including the ease of the filibuster. It's time they move the spotlight from their own backroom-dealing on HCR back to why we voted out Republicans (and clean up the cesspool of Congress a little bit while they're at it).
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Nick
February 7, 2010 1:57 AM
Go here and leave Shelby a message saying that he should stop this blanket hold on Obama's nominations:
http://shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactSenatorShelby.EmailSenatorShelby
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Tosh
June 5, 2010 10:06 PM
I respect anyone who is not afraid to wield the power they possess.
Can you imagine if any Democrat had ever done this to George Bush?
He or she would have been our hero.
Do you think Republicans are made of stronger stuff? I do.
m65 kamagra
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